New Delhi, March 8 -- Many companies in India and globally have taken steps to bridge the gender gap, recognising the importance and advantages of a higher share of women in the workforce.

These include gender pay parity assessments, flexible work policies, liberal sabbaticals and extended maternity leaves. Yet, retaining women remains a major challenge. Caregiving responsibilities for children and elderly family members continue to be one of the main reasons women leave the workforce. Even well-intended initiatives like workplace creches fall short of addressing their concerns.

As a result, women's representation in leadership remains muted. A 2024 study supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the ministry of women and c...